A Summer of Sustainable Learning for a Greener Tomorrow
In July, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) proudly hosted 18 students and staff from Tianjin University’s School of Life Sciences for an eight-day summer research programme themed “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development.”
5 August 2025
As part of Newcastle University’s ongoing mission to connect minds and share knowledge across borders, we welcomed 18 students and staff from the School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, China, for an action-packed eight-day summer research programme in July. Focused on the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development”, this international summer camp offered an immersive platform for students to think big and green as they nurtured their passion to build a more sustainable future.
Students had plenty of opportunities to roll up their sleeves and get hands-on with two dynamic academic tracks. The first, the PBL Workshop: AI Programming and Self-Driving Cars, was led by Mr Daniel Vong and Ms Lim Tong En, encouraging students to explore the world of autonomous vehicles. Armed with Raspberry Pi microcomputers, students harnessed the power of Python programming to build model cars that could recognise their surroundings and make navigational decisions.
For the second track, students dived into the depths of freshwater ecosystems with Unicellular Insights: The Connection Between Freshwater Microbes and Human Health, guided by Associate Professor Dr Madihah Rushaidhi and Dr Dinesh Balachandra. They explored three water bodies in Sireh Pinang and the Straits of Malacca, collecting samples to conduct lab-based microscopy and analyses. This gave them a peek into the microcosm of microbial life, including ciliates, algae, and diatoms. They also gained bioinformatics skills and performed a 16S rRNA sequence analysis to identify their microbial finds before presenting their discoveries in English.
Of course, the summer camp wasn’t just all work. Among others, the group had the opportunity to check out our Anatomy Lab and visit the Faculty of Science at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), including their microalgae laboratory, experience our culture, and make new friends.
As they wrapped up their time with us, it was clear that the students were taking home more than just new knowledge; they were also leaving with new ideas, global perspectives, and the spark to help shape a more sustainable world.
Here’s what some of them have to say about their experience:
“From conducting experiments in a university laboratory to collecting water samples from the Strait of Malacca, we brought textbook knowledge to life through hands-on experience. The collision of minds from different cultural backgrounds sparked fresh perspectives and unique insights. With a suitcase now filled with cross-disciplinary wisdom, this journey’s end marks the beginning of a new voyage.”
Zhu Yue, Year 4
“Tasting local cuisine became a window into embracing cultural diversity, and making friends from around the world helped me truly appreciate the saying, ‘Within the four seas, all men are brothers’. This experience blended the rigour of laboratory science with the vibrancy of daily life, affirming that the world is our classroom and every experience is a form of wealth.”
Liu Ying, Year 3
“Through the AI programming and autonomous vehicle module, we progressed from basic theory to hands-on application, allowing us to truly grasp the pulse of future technologies. I will carry the knowledge and practical experience gained from this international exchange back to Tianjin University, and demonstrate the responsibility of youth through real action."
Liu Linkun, Year 2
“First-hand exposure to diverse cultures significantly broadened my global perspective, while guided academic visits to leading institutions deepened my understanding of cutting-edge disciplines. This journey not only pushed the boundaries of my understanding but also cultivated my ability to unite knowledge with action. These experiences will serve as a valuable foundation for continued growth.”
Wang Jinhui, Year 1
Thank you all for visiting, Tianjin University students and staff! We loved hosting you and can’t wait to see the impact you will make in the future. Here’s to learning, leading, and going green together!